2021 Cote Rotie La Mordoree

Coming all from the Côte Blonde and Côte Brune lieux-dits, the 2021 Côte Rôtie La Mordorée is a beautiful wine in this challenging vintage, revealing medium-bodied aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, saddle leather, bouquet garni, and some floral nuances. It's balanced and supple, with soft tannins and a beautiful finish. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years. This cuvée was 85% destemmed and raised in 30% new French oak. This was another fabulous tasting with Michel Chapoutier and his team, and it continues to be one of the highlight tastings I do in a year. The portfolio is massive, so there’s certainly something in here for everyone. Looking at the 2021s, I was able to retaste a handful of the flagship whites, and these appear to have shut down slightly. I wouldn’t touch bottles for another 3-5 years. The reds are leaner and focused, but balanced, and certainly impeccably made. However, the 2022s continue to trend here, starting around 2017 or 2018, toward fresher, lighter wines, both with the reds and whites. In addition, they’re all experimenting with whole cluster fermentations, which works beautifully in the wines I was able to taste.

The 2021 Côte-Rôtie La Mordorée wafts from the glass with bright rose petal, red plum, red cherry and traces of orange blossom. Leafy undertones complement the aromatic profile. Gently structured and medium in body, the 2021 is a distinctively elegant rendition of this cuvée.

Cask sample. Introverted nose – sweet raspberry and spice, ferrous with a pretty, detailed red-fruit character. Firm, textured, chewy tannins and plenty of oak, but behind it there is generous red fruit, vanilla and crushed rose petals – elegant. Should age well. (AC)